Eddy Curry's season was obliterated by injuries, misfortune and lack of fitness, robbing the Knicks of a potent scorer and denying them the chance to trade him and his hefty salary. Team officials said they hoped to see a different Curry in training camp. Donnie Walsh, the team president, said on Thursday that Curry had committed to a comprehensive off-season program with a Detroit-based trainer. Walsh said the proposal came from Curry and his agent, Leon Rose. One way or another, Curry, 26, is critical to the Knicks' future. When healthy, he is a gifted low-post scorer who could be a potent force in D'Antoni's supercharged offense. They also need Curry to be productive to have any chance of trading him.

Four Knicks players -- Chris Duhon, Al Harrington, Larry Hughes and Quentin Richardson -- have contracts that will expire next season, which makes all of them potential trade bait if Donnie Walsh sees the chance to add a top player. "I'm going to protect" the 2010 plan, Walsh said, but that could change if an All-Star is suddenly on the trade market. "There are exceptions to any kind of plan." -- NY Times

Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio will declare for the 2009 NBA Draft, according to his agent.

Dan Fegan told ESPN from Barcelona on Monday afternoon that he's confident that the guard will keep his name in the draft.

"Ricky will be in the 2009 draft," Fegan said of Rubio, who is considered the best young international player in the world.

He's special," one NBA GM told ESPN.com. "There aren't many kids you'll find at his age with such a terrific feel for the game. He just knows how to play. When he gets out there with players 10 years older than him, he just looks like he belongs. He'll have some adjusting to do in the NBA, but the truth is, he's as NBA ready as most of the college kids that are coming out. He's playing on a very big world stage."

Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio will declare for the 2009 NBA Draft, according to his agent.

Dan Fegan told ESPN from Barcelona on Monday afternoon that he's confident that the guard will keep his name in the draft.

"Ricky will be in the 2009 draft," Fegan said of Rubio, who is considered the best young international player in the world.

He's special," one NBA GM told ESPN.com. "There aren't many kids you'll find at his age with such a terrific feel for the game. He just knows how to play. When he gets out there with players 10 years older than him, he just looks like he belongs. He'll have some adjusting to do in the NBA, but the truth is, he's as NBA ready as most of the college kids that are coming out. He's playing on a very big world stage."

Spanish point guard Carlos Cabezas is reportedly mulling an offer from the New York Knicks for next season, according to the player's official website.

Cabezas, the backup point guard on Spain's national team, is also mulling an offer to re-sign with his Spanish club Unicaja and also one from rival Real Madrid.

"He played on a team that won the World Championship," says Rockets forward Luis Scola, who also played professionally in Spain. "I believe he can play for the Knicks. He is strong and smart."

Cabezas is not on likely lottery pick and fellow Spainard point guard Ricky Rubio's level, but scouts feel that he is a more than serviceable player.

"I have not spoken to Cabezas in a while but I know he wants to come to the NBA," Sergio Rodriguez said following the Trail Blazers' practice. "It is time. He is 28. There is no doubt in my mind he can play in the NBA."

Frank Isola reports that most of those in LeBron James' inner circle think he will sign with the Knicks a little over a year from now.

"I've always felt that LeBron would stay but when you talk to people close to him - business people - the majority of them believe he'll be a Knick," writes Isola.

James may feel that winning a championship in Cleveland would allow him to leave town on good terms.

"The thinking is that LeBron would be more inclined to chase his dream of becoming the world's first billion dollar athlete in New York if he were to leave behind a title with the Cavs," writes Isola. "There are those who believe that LeBron wouldn't want to split from his hometown without having raised a championship banner."

In a year when the draft isn't overloaded with name-droppers, Ricky Rubio's availability is enlivening chatter and heightening the importance of Geoff Petrie's trip to Europe later this week. Petrie, who also plans to scout former high school star Brandon Jennings - the point guard who signed with an Italian club to elude the NBA's mandatory age requirement - has long been intrigued by Rubio for many of the same reasons as everyone else.

Mike Krzyzewski helped the U.S. men's team redeem itself and grab a gold medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, but he says it's still too early to commit to the 2012 Games in London. If he doesn't commit, that could open the door for Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni, an a.ssistant to Coach K last summer, to be named the head coach for 2012. "I don't want to say who I think would be good (for the job), but Mike D'Antoni is a great friend and was huge in us winning the gold medal," said Krzyzewski, who was at the NBA Store on Fifth Ave. yesterday, signing copies of his new book, "The Gold Standard," which describes his Olympic experience and was written with his daughter Jamie K. Spatola. "He's really a genius, especially offensively. A lot of ideas we had on the offensive end of the court were Mike's." That said, whether Krzyzewski commits to coaching the 2012 Games or not, he fully expects to be involved in some capacity. "I'm interested in helping U.S. basketball go forward and I don't know what role that will be in," Coach K said. -- NY Daily News

should be an easy victory considering the rumor has half the Team USA roster coming to NY in 2010 lmfao

With Mike Krzyzewski admitting that his status as the coach of U.S. Olympic basketball team is up in the air, New York's Mike D'Antoni could step in as the next coach.

Team USA basketball director Jerry Colangelo told the New York Post back in February that D'Antoni would be a top candidate if Krzyzewski were not to return.

"I'm tied to Coach K and will wait to see what he decides to do. I'll probably serve in any position they ask me to do. It was a great experience. Whatever they decide, I'll fall right in line," D'Antoni said of the possibility that he could become the team's next coach.

Despite an upsurge of chatter claiming Donnie Walsh only has eyes for Chris Mullin -- a couple NBA observers a.ssert the apparently departing Warriors VP has been promised the Knicks' GM job -- this is untrue, according to the team president. In all probability, it will happen in spite of how highly Walsh regards senior VP Glen Grunwald; because, should the Knicks ever recoup esteem in the standings, Donnie's chosen one will succeed him when he retires. His $5 million per contract expires in April 2011, at which time Walsh will have just turned 70. Though Mullin (if free) unquestionably will be among the top three candidates along with Billy King and Billy Knight -- Walsh has Indiana Pacers affections and connections with all three -- you had better believe there has been no conversation with Chris; tampering could cost the Knicks a No. 1 pick. So, naturally, there has been no commitment. -- NY Post

NBADRAFT.net - Earl Clark
NBA Comparison: Boris Diaw/Danny Granger
Aran Smith - 11/29/2007
Strengths: Clark is a rare breed of SF who makes those around him better with his great vision and unselfish passing ability ... Has prototypical small forward dimensions with long arms and a strong wiry frame, a very bouncy athlete ... He has shown a great deal of improvement from his freshman to sophomore seasons in both his body and game, a tribute to his strong work ethic and desire ... Hits the glass extremely hard, his long arms and explosive leaping ability make him a Windex man. His added strength has given him the ability to battle inside with bigger players ... Has very good touch and form on his shot. Similar to Danny Granger with his all around skills: passing, ball handling and shooting ... His versatility sets him apart from most small forwards as he has the ball handling and passing ability to create shots for himself and teammates ...

Weaknesses: Showed a solid touch in his freshman year hitting 37% from 3, but on a low volume of shots (10-27). He still must extend his range and develop better consistency on his shot. If he works hard at it, there's no reason why he can't be a quality 3 point shooter at the next level. But it will require a lot of work as the difference between the current college and pro 3 point line is huge ... His shot off the dribble is improved but still needs work. He's better at scoring off garbage baskets and on the break than pulling up off the dribble ... Not a real outgoing kid, one of those guys who leads by example. He has gained confidence and improved in this area but will need to become more vocal as his role with the team expands ... Must focus more attention to the defensive end of the floor. Should gather more steals considering his length and athleticism.

Realgm - James Harden
NBA Comparison: Manu Ginobili
Aran Smith - 9/21/2007
Strengths: Crafty player with great vision and offensive skills … For a player entering college his skills are advanced. Smooth. Can shoot, handle and pass … Elevates his teammates with great vision and unselfish play … Clutch player. A leader, who has the ability to will his team to victory. Similar to Manu Ginobili, he is a tremendous team player who would rather win and score 10 than lose and score 40 … Very cerebral. Does an excellent job of breaking down opponents and taking what the defense gives him … Can stroke it from outside as well as get by his man and take it to the rim … Has worked extremely hard over the summer to gain strength and muscle mass …

Weaknesses: His body type is deceiving as it appears to be soft and uncut … Listed at 6-4, he's likely close to 6-5 but still on the short side for a 2-guard … Can improve the consistency of his outside shooting … His quickness and athleticism, while good wont stand out on the next level … First step and his explosiveness aren't at an elite level … A decent defender who doesn't gamble much, but his lack of great foot speed limits his ability as a lock down guy … A terrific leader who can improve by becoming more vocal …

Notes: Considered the top guard prospect in his class from the West Coast. Helped lead Pump and Run Elite to win the 2006 Las Vegas adidas Super 64 championship beating a DC a.ssault team consisting of Michael Beasley, Nolan Smith and Austin Freeman.

Curry reminds me of another Kevin Martin, a midget version but still a Martin....still don't want him as our pick (unless we lose out on certain ppl) but if god wants to bless NY with another pick, i got no problem with him being that second pick